Need advice on Hitch mounted Cargo Rack for scooter

[KenS]

We have a 2017 Melbourne 24L. The hitch is rated for Max Gross of 500lbs. We are about to purchase a Vespa Vespa scooter with a dry weight of ~350lbs. any advice on a hitch-mounted platform w/ramp? in general? thanks

Ken

[RogerR]

You might consider having the hitch reinforced. That 500 lbs. may not include the force involved when going over bumps and ruts in the road. Especially if you intend to ride it onto the rack.

[JFlightRisk]

And you'll have a rack that weighs roughly 80 to 100 lbs, on top of the Vespa's weight.

There's the option of a M/C/scooter specific carrier.

https://www.etrailer.com/dept-pg-Hit...e_Carrier.aspx

[KenS]

the idea of reinforcing the hitch sounds like it might be a good idea in any case. the trailer carrier also sounds good if it reduces the extra length of the rig. sounds like I need to chat with the trailer folks to see if the aluminum rack at 400lb capacity would withstand the weight of the scooter as well as a driver for mount/dismount.

[craigav]

Keep in mind the 500# hitch rating is right there at the hitch. When you have a carrier like you are talking about extended further away from the receiver the downward force is much more and is also more of a twisting action. For example, if you can lift a 10lb weight up close to you, try holding it out at arms length, this same action will take place on your hitch as the weight will be a few feet away from the hitch and that distance will be leverage that is working against you. The hitch still may be strong enough but for safety's sake and to protect your scooter and RV, it wouldn't be a bad idea to have the hitch reinforced or perhaps replaced with one that is rated for more weight if you can find one. ~CA

[KenS]

Originally Posted by craigav

Keep in mind the 500# hitch rating is right there at the hitch. When you have a carrier like you are talking about extended further away from the receiver the downward force is much more and is also more of a twisting action. For example, if you can lift a 10lb weight up close to you, try holding it out at arms length, this same action will take place on your hitch as the weight will be a few feet away from the hitch and that distance will be leverage that is working against you. The hitch still may be strong enough but for safety's sake and to protect your scooter and RV, it wouldn't be a bad idea to have the hitch reinforced or perhaps replaced with one that is rated for more weight if you can find one. ~CA

I am all about overbuilding, designed, over-specced, and built my own home from the footings to the roofing! I have found replacement hitches class III and IV that would bump up the TW to 600lbs or more. having trouble finding someone who has actually done this, talked with Jayco, my dealer so far-no joy. would also like to know the impact on my available weight capacity.

sorry for some of the questions as I am new to "motorized" camping world although have been PU truck camper guy for 30 years.

[ljh684]

Originally Posted by KenS

any advice on a hitch-mounted platform w/ramp?

I use a Joe Hauler single carrier on a Greyhawk 30X

Joe Hauler Motorcycle Carriers and Accessories


for a 230 lb. scoot for getting around once you get to the campsite. Joe Hauler can do custom carriers, but I don't think they'll reinforce or re-build your bumper to handle more weight. Need a custom frame shop for that.

[KenS]

Originally Posted by ljh684

I use a Joe Hauler single carrier on a Greyhawk 30X

Joe Hauler Motorcycle Carriers and Accessories


for a 230 lb. scoot for getting around once you get to the campsite. Joe Hauler can do custom carriers, but I don't think they'll reinforce or re-build your bumper to handle more weight. Need a custom frame shop for that.

I just double-checked the weight on the Vespa, 320lbs. on the 500lb rated oem hitch, too close for comfort. there are many class 3/4 exact bolt-ons that will bump it up to 600lbs or 700lbs. I do not anticipate actually putting that weight on it but, in light of all the helpful observations rendered, it seems like a good idea. the joehauler you referenced is rated for up to 300lbs but they make another that would do the trick.

[ljh684]

Looks like Joe Hauler recommends their "Cam Loc" model for scooters over 300 lbs.
Joe Hauler Motorcycle Carriers and Accessories
Probably should call them for advice even if you don't end up buying from them.

[KenS]

thank you to all for your insight and recommendations. I have spent the better part of three days calling dealers, mfgrs, and welding shops. All the recommendations to call joehauler were spot on! I was searching for someone who had hands-on with this specific vehicle, both RV and Vespa scooter and joehauler provided both. I ended up purchasing the heavier duty JH05bike/scooter carrier with 7' ramp. Managed to ship it with an existing shipment to nearby Portsmouth, and tomorrow I will take a trip to Boston to look at and buy my perfect scooter, a Vespa GTV300 ABS with a custom topbox.

Ken

[PinotandPaws]

Hi Ken,
I’ve been reading your post and thread. Did you end up getting your Vespa? Hitch carrier? Did it all work out?

I am in the exact boat you are and wanted to see how this worked out for you. Any insight would be great!!
Thx!!
Dawn

[Pfflyer]

The weight capacity is set by the chassis manufacture. Reinforcing the hitch wont take care of the limits set by MB. You have to consider the extended frame and what weight beyond the set limit would do.

[jyh818]

I wonder if attaching a ratchet tie down from the back end of the carrier to the ladder on the back of the RV to reduce the torque on the hitch going over bumps and such.

[Pfflyer]

Originally Posted by jyh818

I wonder if attaching a ratchet tie down from the back end of the carrier to the ladder on the back of the RV to reduce the torque on the hitch going over bumps and such.

How is your ladder attached to the RV? Do you think the attachment and for that matter the ladder would handle the shock? I have a rear slide so I have no idea how the ladder is attached but either way I personally wouldn't try it.

[CWRoady]

Originally Posted by jyh818

I wonder if attaching a ratchet tie down from the back end of the carrier to the ladder on the back of the RV to reduce the torque on the hitch going over bumps and such.

Consider this instead?

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0001CMUV4...roduct_details

[KenS]

for some reason every time I try to post my account must time out and it requires me to log in again and I lose everything, so, I will try posting a shorter response;
Rack used, Joehauler joehauler.com, heavy-duty Cam Loc. Joe has extensive experience with my configuration and gave me the assurance I needed to do the install. hitch bracing do by a well-respected commercial welding outfit.
just finished a 3500 mile road trip, avg 15.5 mpg. no issues with handling, no bounce, slop, or wobble.

ken

[KenS]

I used heavy-duty USA ratchet tie-downs front and back with straps securing both wheels to the rack. 7' ramp works great.

braced hitch back to sprinter frame before extended frame. worked great.

set rear-view camera to always on and kept an eye on it just to make sure all OK, after 1,000 miles just occasionally peeked at it.

picture to follow

Ken

[KenS]

trying this photo thing again...

note the 3M Diamond Grade conspicuity tape, DOT approved of course!